Polynesian Triller

Overview

The Polynesian triller (Lalage maculosa) is a passerine bird in the cuckoo-shrike family Campephagidae, found across the south-west Pacific. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 15 to 16 cm with plumage varying geographically from contrasting black and white to grey or brown.
• Noisy call that is nasal and rasping, accompanied by a short, high-pitched song.

Habitat

Found in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu and the Santa Cruz Islands. It inhabits a wide variety of environments, including man-made habitats such as plantations and gardens.

Diet

Feeds on insects such as caterpillars and also consumes fruit.

Did you know?

The cup-shaped nest is placed in the fork of a tree branch, where one or two eggs are laid that are greenish with brown blotches.